What rights does a stepparent gain after adoption in New Mexico?

After the adoption is finalized in New Mexico District Court, you become the child's full legal parent with all the same rights as a biological parent:

Legal rights you gain:

• Medical decision-making — consent to treatment, access records, make emergency decisions
• Inheritance — the child automatically inherits from you (and you from them)
• Custody — if your marriage ends, you have custody/visitation rights
• Insurance — add the child to health, life, and other insurance policies
• Education — make school decisions, access records, attend meetings as parent
• Travel — no more issues with passports, border crossings, or travel consent
• Tax benefits — claim the child as a dependent
• Military benefits — if applicable, the child qualifies for dependent benefits

The biological parent's rights are terminated simultaneously — they no longer have any legal relationship with the child.

This is permanent and cannot be reversed. Your family is officially and legally complete.